This weekend, the City of Nice is hosting the tenth edition of the U20 women’s basketball tournament “Laure Ecard.” It will take place from July 12 to 14 at the Salle Leyrit in Nice, featuring a total of 6 matches, including 3 from the French Team.
The history of this tournament is now 10 years old… Its story began with a tragedy. On their return from a trip, the junior team of Cavigal Olympic was involved in a car accident in which Laure Ecard, a young 16-year-old player, lost her life. Other people were injured, but above all, profoundly shocked by this tragedy. This is why the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, wanted to create this tournament in her memory and entrusted its organization to the UNSBB (Union of Nice Basketball Societies). In July 2010, the first edition took place, and year after year, the memory of this young girl persists during this ever more prestigious tournament at each edition.
A highly competitive tournament
This year, the lineup is even more impressive. The tournament will feature France and Russia (three-time winners of this tournament), Belgium, and for the first time, a team from the southern hemisphere: Australia (the second-ranked nation in women’s basketball globally). This adds even more prestige to the tournament.
The Australian team has chosen this tournament as the final stage of its preparation for the U19 World Championship in Bangkok (Thailand) from July 20 to 28, 2019. The Australians arrived in Nice on July 5 for a training camp organized by the UNSBB before participating in the tournament this weekend and flying to the World Championship on July 15.
The French Team, on its part, is preparing for the U20 European Championship, which will take place in the Czech Republic from August 3 to 11. With this first tournament, the French will try to dethrone the Spanish, who have won the last four editions.
But first, they will have to face Russia, a three-time tournament winner, and the Australian team, which is at the top level of women’s basketball. This tournament will therefore be a real test for the French. And, above all, a beautiful showcase for the development of women’s sports on the Côte d’Azur and worldwide.
